Japan

(Japanese Alps: Hakuba | Myōkō)

Departure: 01/20/2025 - Return: 01/29/2025

Location: Hakuba and MyōkōActivity: Freeride skiing Duration: 7 daysMinimum number of participants: 2Maximum number of participants: 4

HAKUBA

The Hakuba Valley includes a network of lifts and areas that offer an incredible amount of terrain for skiers and snowboarders. It is located in the heart of the Japanese Alps and the scenery of the volcanic debris is truly spectacular. From one side of the valley to the other there are various resorts, including the most famous: Hakuba 47, Happo One, Iwatake and Hakuba Cortina, making a large part of Nagano prefecture a true temple of Japanese skiing. The place is famous for its hot springs, over 30 in the resort. In this first stage of the trip, skiing is planned both on the slopes and on backcountry lines, with mixed use of facilities and skins for some technically simple ascent sections that require medium training (around 200/300 metres). The off-piste runs will enchant you with peaks that emerge from the birch woods which give access to the varied and captivating slopes. Here it is possible to reach decent speeds, enough to fully enjoy the thick blanket of powder. Fun is guaranteed among open spaces, fascinating very sparse and skiable woods and majestic valley floors crossed by imposing rivers, in the presence of majestic dams.

Is required:

- Excellent spirit of adaptation.

- Fair training.

- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the end date of the trip.

MYOKO

The Myōkō area is located in the southern part of Niigata Prefecture, in a very snowy area. Already very popular among the Japanese, the area is also becoming increasingly well known among snow enthusiasts from around the world who want a truly authentic skiing experience in Japan. Suginohara is one of 9 resorts in the area. From the top of the resort and along much of the mountain you have fantastic views of the Myōkō area. On clear days you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. In this second location you can appreciate the true "mantra" of Japanese powder, where the crystal, different from the European, Asian and American one, reaches the apotheosis of lightness and inconsistency. In fact, we are faced with a material that is physically different from the snow we generally know. Here too, as in Hakuba, the relevant altitudes are between 900m and 1200m, creating a micro-climatic bubble unique in the world, which makes power skiing fully enjoyable and comfortable. The perceived temperatures do not normally fall below -5°/-8° and breathing is very easy, in the face of a snow quality that in the rest of the world we only find above 3000m. When you travel the fantastic lines of the Myōkō volcano, you jump into the Seki Onsen valley (freeride racing paradise), and you ride the pillows of Akakura Kanko. This Japanese experience captures the heart like few other places in the world.

Is required:

- Excellent spirit of adaptation.

- Fair training.

- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the end date of the trip.